A. Lionel Bastarache

NEW BEDFORD — A. Lionel "Balloon Man" Bastarache, 86, of New Bedford died Wednesday, February 27, 2008, in Sacred Heart Home following a brief illness.

NEW BEDFORD — A. Lionel "Balloon Man" Bastarache, 86, of New Bedford died Wednesday, February 27, 2008, in Sacred Heart Home following a brief illness.

Born in New Bedford, a son of the late Arcade Bastarache and Marie (Collete) Bastarache, he was educated in New Bedford.

He worked at the former Knapp Shoe Factory in New Bedford, retiring in 1983.

Mr. Bastarache was a long time member of the K of C Bishop Stang Council #4532 and a 3rd degree Knight. He was also a member of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, a former member of the League of the Sacred Heart of St. Joseph's Church, Sharp Shooters Drum & Bugle Corps, an avid bingo player and a communicant of St. Joseph-St. Therese Church in New Bedford. He will be remembered in New Bedford as "Balloon Man" for he enjoyed making animal balloons for children and local residents for many years.

Survivors include one sister, Aldea Parent of New Bedford; and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Arthur, George, Louis, Adelard and Albert Bastarache and Dora Varieur, Vitaline Lamontagne, Yvonne Cournoyer and Alice Lambert.

His Funeral will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2008, at 8AM from the Brooklawn-Chausse Dumont Funeral Home, 15 Irvington Ct., New Bedford, followed by a Funeral Mass at 9AM in St. Joseph-St. Therese Church, Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. Visiting hours Friday 5-8 PM. Relatives and friends invited. Donations may be made to Sacred Heart Home Activity Fund, 359 Summer St. New Bedford, MA. 02740. Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Bedford.